SportsSpeak73

Well, since we last saw each other several things have happened in the world of sports. Spain won its inaugural World Cup (Congratulations), Lebron James officially punk’d out (Sad but true), the National League gave me a flashback of 1996 by winning the MLB All-Star Game (Bout Time), and the NBA Free Agency period continued.

This year’s World Cup, while full of suspenseful comebacks and at time brilliant play, was unforgivably marred by terrible officiating. Time and time again we were forced to watch referees make maddening calls without being held accountable for those calls, or even having to explain them. Every sport has officiating blunders at some juncture, from Ed Hochuli dropping the ball during the Broncos v. Chargers game two years ago, to Jim Joyce robbing A. Galarraga (Detroit Tigers) of a perfect game this season. The difference between these cases and FIFA’s bumbling officials is that the aforementioned refs were explanative if not remorseful for the gaffes they committed while FIFA’s officials have proven indignant, if they comment at all. FIFA has long stood steadfast to their belief that adding goal line technology and instant replay to the game would in some way diminish its grace. While I disagree, I can at least respect their decision. However, I cannot respect their policy of not requiring officials to explain highly controversial calls. Take for example the Tuck Rule call of the 2002 Snow Bowl (Pats Vs. Raiders). Fans were perplexed if not outraged at the call during the game even after it was explained. Could you imagine the outcry that would have erupted had the officials simply ruled the play an incomplete pass (THAT WAS A FUMBLE) and not explained how it was an incomplete pass? I’ve seen the play numerous times and to this day, as previously stated, I believe that was a fumble. However, I can accept it being ruled incomplete because the rule was explained to me. I’m not saying that soccer officials should stop play, pick up a microphone, and explain calling a foul on Maurice Edu while playing Slovenia, but when the game is over they should be required to divulge what the foul was when asked by the media or FIFA themselves. If we don’t hold officials accountable, how long is it before we have another Tim Donaghy?

In 1996, I was 11 years old, “Macarena” was Billboards #1 song, Braveheart won Best Movie, the Cowboys dynasty of the 90’s was culminated, and the National League won the MLB All Star game. Little did we know that 14 years would pass before those without the DH would taste victory again. There have been close calls, from the tie of 2002, to the 1 run loss of 2009 but the NL had failed to win the game until Brian McCann’s bases clearing, 3 RBI double in the seventh inning in Anaheim this year. Graced with dominating pitching performances (Jimenez, Johnson, ect) to diving catches (Ryan Braun), this year’s game was uncharacteristically competitive. Charlie Manuel managed the game as if it were a divisional race between the Phillies and the Braves rather than an exhibition between the leagues. During the game, Jimenez and Johnson showcased the mastery of their respective arms that has analysts in awe of their talents. For Johnson in particular, reaching the All Star game must have been monumental as he is just a season and a half removed from Tommy John surgery. This game was also a bit of a changing of the guards for the MLB. There were fewer of the perennial All-Stars (Kevin Youkalis, Jason Bay, Micheal Young, Johan Santana) and more “Young Guns” (Joey Votto, Troy Tulowitski, Jimenez, Johnson) than in years past proving that the future of the game is indeed in good hands.

Well…it’s now official, Lebron punk’d out! As mentioned in my previous blog (Lebron James, King of the Sidekicks?), while I believe his exodus to Miami will eventually help his title aspirations, it will hurt his legacy to an extent. He’ll still be considered one of the most talented players the league has ever seen, just not one of the greatest. Now that Lebron watch has ended, the free agency period has picked up steam. Aside from the Heat, who also picked up a shooter (Mike Miller), a big man (Zydrunas Ilgauskas), and a glue guy (Udonis Haslem), several other teams in the league have gotten significantly better.

First up, the Chicago Bulls. For years the Bulls have lacked a perimeter player with the requisite size to adequately defend or shoot over opposing shooting guards. With the addition of Kyle Korver, they have solved one of those problems. Korver is one of the league’s most dead eye shooters (career 41% from 3 point range (53% in 2009)) and although he’s not known for possessing defensive prowess, one could certainly do worse. The Bulls also picked up Carlos Boozer during their mini shopping spree. Boozer has a plethora of low post moves and is also an exceptional pick and pop or pick and roll player offensively. His skill set will not only help the Bulls in grind it out half court sets, but will also allow new coach Tom Thibodeau to run pick and rolls/pops at his discretion, making the Bulls infinitely more versatile than they were last season.
Although the Jazz lost two players to the Bulls this offseason, they picked up arguably the most underrated young post player in the NBA, Al Jefferson. Jefferson has been concealed from the average fan due to playing in Boston in the pre-Garnett years, and Minnesota in the post-Garnett years. However, he has unique understanding of what it takes to both score and defend on the block and is an above average rebounder. He also possesses the requisite athleticism to participate in Utah’s beloved pick and roll. They also drafted Gordon Hayward who could fill the shooting void left by Korver.
As for the rest of the league, the Mavericks finally got a center capable of guarding something that moves in Tyson Chandler, the Thunder got a big man full of potential to fill out their roster in Kansas’ Cole Aldrich, the Nuggets got front court scoring help via Al Harrington, & The Suns picked up Grant Hill’s eventual replacement in Josh Childress and a playmaker to help out Steve Nash in Hedo Turkoglu. However, there are players remaining who could fill a need for a team, and I’ll be here to let you know where they end up and if the move is a good fit.